Food allergy is a common problem, especially in children, with an average of 10% of children and 2% of adults. At the same time, adhering to a hypoallergenic diet has become a real trend.
Some symptoms of food allergy and intolerance are similar: in both cases, manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract can be observed. However, most of the allergic manifestations, such as hives, tearing and shortness of breath, are uncommon for food intolerances. If you experience an unusual reaction to food, see your doctor. The specialist will conduct a food allergy testing near me that will help to find out the cause of the symptoms and prescribe the correct treatment.
Why does birch pollen sensitivity cause a reaction to apples?
If you are allergic to one food, for example, peanuts, then such a reaction may occur to foods that are identical in antigenic composition: soy, bananas and others. However, we are not only talking about food. So, a person who becomes ill from birch pollen is highly likely intolerant of peaches and apples. People who are allergic to latex (such as cleaning gloves) can develop an adverse reaction to kiwi, banana, and avocado. So, if you know you have an allergy, be sure to keep a reminder of possible cross-reactions between allergens.
How is allergy diagnosed?
If you notice a strange reaction to food or other substances (dust, pollen, etc.), see your doctor. He will order the necessary tests, such as a skin test, which evaluates the skin's reaction to suspected allergens. Another method is the analysis of the content of specific IgE to food allergens in the blood serum. If necessary, the doctor may also prescribe provocative tests (the allergen acts directly on the digestive system) and other diagnostic methods.
Treatment for food allergies must be comprehensive. An important role in therapy is played by the elimination of causally significant foods from the diet. In cases of mild allergies, an elimination (allergen-free) diet may be the only treatment